Bosch 4212 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Compound Miter Saw

Friday, April 13, 2012

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 30 x 20 x 17 inches
Shipping Weight: 70 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
ASIN: B0002MQ1D6
Item model number: 4212

By : Bosch
Price : $405.12
You Save : $396.88 (49%)

Product Description

Amazon.com
It's a small thing, we know, but our favorite feature on this gorgeous saw is the handle. That's because everybody has his or her own comfort zone: Some like a vertical grip, some a horizontal. Left-handers usually prefer a handle that tilts 45 degrees to the left. It's all here. The four-position handle features two safety lock buttons—one on each end of the handle, for right- and left-handers-—and one must be pressed to allow the saw to power up. At this saw's heart is a beefy, Bosch-quality 15-amp motor with a no-load max of 3,800 rpm and peak 3 HP. Around it, you'll find one plus after another. We like the super-wide miter range of 52 degrees both left and right, because as you know, sometimes the world isn't perfect. It bevels from 0 to 47 degrees left and 0 to 46 right, with the range selector and lock knobs right up front where they should be. The 10 miter detents can all be overridden easily for micro-fine adjustments. The sliding extensions are handy, and we like the integrated workpiece clamps and especially the flip-up crown stops. Another important feature to us is that the scales are clear and legible, even for those of us who won't admit we need bifocals. One more nice touch is the option of replacing the kerf insert for different blades, creating a zero-clearance insert that will minimize tearout. We know Bosch to be fastidious about calibrating their tools before they leave the factory, but to be safe, you'll want to take the time to perform all the checks in the owner's manual. --Kris Jensen-Van Heste
Bosch 4212 12" Dual-Bevel Compound Miter SawBosch Power Tools and Accessories is one of the divisions within the Robert Bosch Tool Corporation, which is one of the largest power tool and accessory manufacturers in the world. Bosch provides a complete line of corded and cordless power tools and accessories engineered to survive any jobsite and allow professionals to take control of their work.Bosch 4212 12" Dual-Bevel Compound Miter Saw Features:; Upfront bevel lock lever and range selector knob are easily accessed for quick and accurate bevel settings; Multi position main handle easily locks into any of four positions for optimum comfort and control; Ambidextrous lock off release button; Built-in length stop for repetitive cuts of the same length; Exclusive wedge and slot miter detent system for consistent and precise miter angles over the life of the tool; Miter detent override for fast adjustment and precise angle; Electric brake stops blade in seconds; Includes 40 tooth thin kerf carbide tipped blade, dust bag and elbow, flip-up crown stops, multi-purpose tool, wrench set, and vertical quick clamp; Large 25-1/2" base with built in sliding extensions for 40" of total length, providing extra support for longer materials; Tall 4-1/2" speed track sliding fences for easy bevel setups and increased crown molding cutting capacities
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Technical Details

Upfront bevel lock lever and range selector knob ? Easily accessed controls for quick and accurate bevel settings
Multi-position main handle ? Easily locks into any of four positions
Large 25-1/2" Base with built-in cast sliding extensions for 40" total length
Exclusive Wedge-and-Slot Miter Detent System ? Consistent and precise miter angles over the life of the tool
Crown molding settings ? 31.6° miter and 33.9° bevel detents for quick, accurate crown cuts

Bosch 4212 12-Inch Dual-Bevel Compound Miter Saw

Customer Reviews

I'm partial to Bosch tools, so I really want to love this saw. However, there are a couple of issues with the design of this saw I just can't get past. The upper blade guard is too narrow (about 3/4" compared to 1" on my Dewalt CMS) which makes it very difficult to get a blade with a wide kerf on past the arbor nut. I'm using a 7/64" kerf Forrest Chopmaster, and it makes me cringe to drag its carbide teeth across the inside of the upper guard when I put it on or take it off. The alighment procedure for this saw is also a little tedious. You have to un-tighten and tighten a series of nuts and set screws to dial the zero bevel in, and it seems like the saw blade comes just slightly out of square as you tighten the last one, which means you have to repeat the whole process. I also haven't been able to get either 45 degree bevel set reliably. Both of these settings come around a degree out of alignment after moderate use, which is enough to open up a noticeable gap in an outside miter. I've only had the saw a couple of weeks, though, so I'm still getting used to the alignment procedure.
Other than those two issues, the saw is very well made. It comes with two material/crown stops and a hold-down clamp, which most manufactures sell separately. The upfront bevel controls, miter detent override, and 33.9 degree detent pin are also great features.

Amazon service was on time. The saw was within one half of a degree perfect on alignment right out of the box. I like the rotating handle, the safety switch, and the overall quality of the unit. I do not like how the bevel is controlled by a knob on the front of the saw. Without care, the saw can flop over while trying to adjust it. While not a huge problem, one wonders why it is set up that way. The saw is heavy, so not the best for mvoing around a lot. That said, it is the best for accuracy, for intuitive use, and worth the money.